Look East young man/woman/developer

This morning was spent chairing a discussion on Creative Industries at ISEA. First we were in a large acoustically dreadful room in BT Tower and thanks (and I do mean “thanks”) to a fire alarm, we were moved to a small and perfectly functional room in the Hilton next door.

The panel and the “audience” melded well. There were probably about 35 people in total, enough for everyone (at Clive van Heerden’s suggestion) not just the panel to introduce themselves.

Having to move (and forcible move) to another venue after less than 30 minutes meant that there was a strong likelihood we’d lose some of the audience who’d think the event wasn’t much cop and could hang back. We not only retained all the audience, but added a few to our crocodile as we moved from the two buildings.

The panel were: Clive van Heerden Clive is Senior Director of Design-Led Innovation at Philips Design. One of his main responsibilities is leading the Probes program, to track trends and developments that may ultimately evolve into mainstream issues that have a significant impact on business.

The Probes generate insights from research in five main areas; politics, economic, culture, environments and technology futures.

Moritz Waldemeyer Widely recognised as one of the most innovative and exciting designers of his generation was born in East Germany. He moved to London thirteen years ago where he trained as an engineer at Kings College and completed his Masters degree in 2001. Since then, he has collaborated with many of the world’s top architects and fashion designers

Mika ‘Lumi’ Tuomola Mika is concept designer, writer, dramaturge (A dramaturge or dramaturg is a position within a theatre that deals mainly with research and development) and director – and occasional performer – for procedural, participatory New Media. His productions include the web drama ‘Daisy’s Amazing Discoveries’, avatar/game world designs for ‘WorldsAway’, and the dark musical comedy series ‘Accidental Lovers’ for television and mobile devices.

Tim Brundle Tim is Director of Innovation at the University of Ulster. He is responsible for the University’s commercial output including consultancy, knowledge transfer, intellectual property licensing, technology commercialisation and spin outs.

Matt Johnston Facilitator for Digital Circle.

I hope someone captured some of the ideas in the discussion; and there we a lot. But I’ll focus on one idea.

And it was Mika’s idea, shared by a professor from Canada (sorry – missed your name) that although there is a lot of value in NI focusing on business/mentoring/ideas sharing with our friends in the States that there is much to be gained from a European focus. And I know that there is a view towards Europe, but is there a European (or joint European/US) focus.

Historically we do look west to the tech/digital industries and markets of the US, but what have we to gain from getting to know Europe better?

SXSW and Cupertino have their very obvious attractions. Where should we be looking for the equivilent places/events and natural business allies in Europe?

I don’t know. I have a few ideas. Anyone else share that idea? Where should we start?